Saidou Khan started a new chapter on Saturday after his switch from Maidstone United to Dagenham & Redbridge.

The 25-year-old has joined Daryl McMahon’s National League side on loan for the rest of the season - and he was thrown straight into the starting XI at the weekend.

Khan, who joined the Stones in July 2019, found himself out of action after the 2020/21 campaign was halted in the National League South.

He moved clubs on Friday and started Saturday’s game for the Daggers, helping them to a 1-0 win at Altrincham.

McMahon, speaking about his new arrival, said: “He needs some game time but showed flashes of the power and energy of what he can bring to us.”

Khan’s last game for Maidstone was at the start of February, playing in a 5-4 defeat to Hornchurch in the FA Trophy.

Since then he’s been itching for a return to action.

He played 51 minutes on Saturday and hopes to be able to help Dagenham reach the National League play-offs. His new team are 16th in the National League table but just seven points from the play-off positions and in good form.

“My legs have been itching,” he said. “I am a footballer and I want to play football. It is why I play the sport, I look forward to Saturdays and Tuesday nights.

“The club’s ambition is go to the Football League and that has been my goal, if I can step into there with Dagenham, perfect.”

Khan produced a bit of magic for Maidstone in the FA Cup against Blackpool, scoring with a brilliant volley from the edge of the box. It’s a moment Stones fans won’t forget.

He said: “Those are the games where you have to perform if you want to take that step, you want to show people you are capable of playing that level.”

Gambian-born Khan spent much of the 2020/21 season for the Stones sidelined by injury. The club said: “Everyone at Maidstone wishes Saidou all the best and would like to thank John Still, Steve Thompson and Daryl McMahon for their cooperation with this deal.”

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